Malibu is a beautiful city and almost everyone that comes to Los Angeles goes to visit Malibu.
Malibu is known to be the birthplace of surfing and it has some of the best beaches in the world. The coastline in Malibu has everything from sandy shores to rocky cliffs and tide pools.
The underwater world here is equally enthralling with kelp forests and lots of marine life. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best weekend getaways in Southern California.
This guide has all the information you need to visit the top 10 best beaches in Malibu.
Best Beaches in Malibu;
Topanga State Beach
Topanga State Beach is the first of the beaches in Malibu when you come from Los Angeles.
The beach is famous for its surfing because of its mellow waves that work even in smaller swells. The beach has a protected lagoon which prevents it from being bombarded by strong waves. This makes it really safe for children.
This would be the best place for a child to learn surfing in Los Angeles. The beach also has restrooms, showers and a lifeguard. Mastro’s Ocean Club is a fine dining restaurant with ocean views at the east end of this beach.
On the west end you will find Boardriders Malibu with all surf related equipment.
Surfrider Beach
Known as the birthplace of California surfing, Surfrider Beach attracts surfers from all around the globe.
It has the best waves year round for surfing and you will see lots of pro surfers ripping the waves here. Since it is world famous lots of people stop here during their California road trip to see the surfers.
Besides catching the perfect wave, you can take a stroll along the beach’s iconic Malibu Pier. At the end of the pier you will find Malibu Farm Pier Cafe known for its fresh farm to table cuisine. The pier is much quieter and chill than the one at Santa Monica.
The Adamson House, a restored Spanish beach home, is also right next to the beach and it’s a great place to visit in Malibu. There is lots of parking right behind Adamson House here.
Malibu Lagoon Beach
Situated at the mouth of Malibu Creek, Malibu Lagoon Beach has a unique blend of marine life and wildlife.
It is a designated bird sanctuary and has lots of bird-watching opportunities. You can take a walk along the lagoon on one of the many paths that are made for walking here.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare species or witness pelicans diving into the water in search of their next meal. Some of the birds you might find here are scaup, common merganser, plovers, royal tern and osprey.
At low tide when the water recedes, the beach forms tide pools where you can see anemone and hermit crabs. This is one of the best beaches in Malibu for those that love coastal wildlife and want to have a unique experience.
El Pescador Beach
El Pescador Beach is one of the quietest and most secluded beaches in Malibu.
This is what makes it so unique. It is one of the three beaches at Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. The beach has lots of rocks which creates tide pools during low tide.
You can see a lot of wildlife in the tide pools like anemone, crabs, urchins and mussels. It also has a long stretch of sand where you can relax and sunbathe without the crowds.
There is no parking fee here and there is plenty of parking. You will also see lots of fishermen here as this area is popular for fishing.
Paradise Cove Beach
A true tourist beach, Paradise Cove has all the amenities you could need for a beach day.
The beach is in the middle of Malibu and usually has a crowd. Paradise Cove has beachside dining at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe which has amazing greasy burgers, fish fries, refreshing drinks and ice cream. They have breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and a full day bakery as well.
There is a lot of old Hollywood paraphernalia inside the restaurant since the beach was the shooting location for a few movies over the years. There are also lots of sunbeds and chairs on the beach.
I would recommend making reservations in advance for these. Be warned though, this beach tends to get very crowded during weekends when all of Malibu descends down to it.
Point Dume Beach
Point Dume is a cliff that juts out into the Pacific Ocean in Malibu.
The cliffs are very impressive to look at and photograph from the top of the point. There are some hiking trails which you can walk around and get a 360 degree view of Malibu at the top as well. When you climb down from the cliff there are beautiful beaches with soft sand and blue water on both sides of the cliff.
Right next to Point Dume is a small and secluded beach called Pirate’s Cove. It’s a tiny cove beach that most people don’t even know about so no one comes here.
To get to Pirate’s Cove you will need to go to the end of Westward Beach and then wade in the shallows around the point to the beach. Point Dume also has very clear water which makes it a great spot for scuba diving.
The cliffs at Point Dume are also great for rock climbing and you will probably see a few people climbing here.
Zuma Beach
With a long shoreline stretching for miles, Zuma Beach is a favorite destination for families on the weekends. This vast sandy beach has ample space for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and playing beach volleyball.
The waves are also really chill here so it’s a great place for swimming. If you’re in the mood for a scenic picnic, you can use one of the beach’s picnic tables, grills, and well-maintained facilities.
Aloha Beach Camp on Zuma Beach is a children’s surf camp that teaches children to surf. There are also a few other surf camps and surf schools that teach surfing to both adults and children here.
The beach has lots of parking in multiple places along the beach. Spruzzo Restaurant and Bar is a great place to get lunch close by.
Westward Beach
Tucked beneath the majestic cliffs of Point Dume, Westward Beach has a more secluded feel than the crowded shores of Zuma Beach.
The stunning rock formations dotting the shoreline create a dramatic backdrop here. At the north of this beach is Zuma Beach and Sunset Restaurant. At the south are the cliffs for Point Dume and Pirate’s Cove.
Westward Beach is known for having consistently great sunsets with amazing colors because it’s one of the only beaches in Malibu that faces west due to its slant. Sea lions and dolphins are also visible from this beach and you will often see them close to shore.
El Matador Beach
Known for its striking sea stacks, jagged cliffs, and raw feel, El Matador Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Malibu.
You can go down its steep staircase or you can scramble over the rocks to get down to the beach. The beach has a really stunning rock arch in the sea which is the perfect place to photograph at sunset when the sun rays shine between the arch of the rock.
Lots of rock climbers come to climb the boulders here and there are a few companies that also give rock climbing lessons here. Due to its wild nature it’s typically very quiet here and not many people venture down to this beach.
The waves at this beach are very wild so it’s not possible to swim here. There are also a lot of hikes with ocean views in Malibu just behind the beach at Charmlee Wilderness Park.
Leo Carrillo Beach
Named after the famous actor and conservationist, Leo Carillo, Leo Carrillo Beach has an unspoiled coastline that is far away from the crowds.
There are very few people here because it’s one of the beaches in Malibu furthest from the city. This is also one of the few dog friendly beaches in Malibu where you can bring your leashed dogs. If you’re planning on traveling with pets, add this beach to your list!
The beach also has some very interesting caves you can explore during low tide. You should wear water shoes if you go exploring these caves since the rocks at the bottom might be sharp.
There are other rock formations jutting out into the ocean that create interesting shapes if you want to explore those as well. Neptune’s Net, a famous biker bar, is also close to here. It’s a great place for seafood and has an amazing view of the ocean.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that beaches in California like Pfeiffer Beach and Glass Beach are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
But if you cannot make it all the way to those amazing beaches then there are some beaches in Malibu that are equally beautiful.
From the world-renowned Surfrider Beach to the secluded boulders of El Pescador Beach, the beaches in Malibu offer something for everyone.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply a tan, these beaches in Malibu make this coastal town a true paradise. So, pack your beach essentials and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of Malibu’s coastal beaches.
